In an attempt to ensure that Walter Sisulu University achieves its 2030 vision related to improving the student experience, the University will continue to prioritise physically challenged students on its campuses.

A multidisciplinary team consisting of the Transformation Office, the Directorate of Learning & Teaching (DLT), and Student Development & Support Services (SDSS) recognised the importance of providing relevant and responsive services to all WSU student population groups. As a result, an in-depth needs analysis of students living with disabilities (SLWD) in Mthatha was conducted  with a motive to create “Courageous Conversations” amongst students. This event is set to take place across all WSU campuses.

Academic advisor for students with disabilities, Nomvuyo Nyembezi, said, “The goal of the Courageous Conversations was to conduct face-to-face dialogues with SLWD in a safe environment in view of identifying pertinent needs and challenges affecting the students concerned.”

Nyembezi further added that these conversations were also to amplify the students’ voices and to use the collected data to inform the provision of relevant, responsive and sustainable academic and psycho-social services required in supporting SLWD.

Underpinning the Courageous Conversations is the learner-centredness philosophy as well as the principle that SLWD should be treated with worth, dignity and respect.

The event  also hinged on student engagement, an approach that views students as active partners in teaching and learning, as well as student life matters.

In addition WSU has been known to support those with physical challenges which dates back to the year 2014 when Tsolo-born Dr Beauty Makiwane, who’s also the only black female with a disability to ever head an academic department at WSU.

“The challenges experienced by SLWD at WSU have been acknowledged by the University. It must also be stated that some significant strides have been made by the University over the years, to address the challenges,” added Nyembezi.

Furthermore, the University is continuing making a concerted effort towards integrating SLWD into the University community.

Some of the efforts the university has made was to establish an Institutional Disability Committee that serves as the platform to discuss and resolve issues affecting persons with disabilities.

By Anita Roji